Rait de San Linert (aka Leonardiritt, La Cavalcata di San Leonardo, Ride of Saint Leonard) is a traditional Ladin celebration held annually in the hamlet of San Linert above Badia in Alta Badia.
The event takes place on the second weekend of November, close to the feast day of Saint Leonard (November 6th), the patron saint of horses, livestock, farmers, and the village of Badia.
The festival spans two days. On Saturday evening, regional bands perform in the festival tent in San Linert, adjacent to the Badia – Abtei Volunteer Fire Department. Sunday features the main event, the horse parade, which draws riders from across the Ladin valleys and all of South Tyrol.
Kati and I had a great time watching the Rait de San Linert, the blessing ceremony, and the various performances in the tent. It was very well-organized. This is a local event created by and for the community, making it a truly special experience to witness.
- Location: San Linert (San Leonardo, Sankt Leonhard) | Google Maps
- Food & Drinks: Spectators flow in and out of the festival tent in San Linert for food and drinks. There are also stands outside selling Ladin specialities like turtres and furtaies.
- Parking: Park in Pedraces or in the Sponata parking lot.
- Route: The parade progresses up the main street of San Linert to the San Linert Church (Google Maps), passing the festival tent along the way. When you arrive, the route will be easy to spot thanks to the safety barriers that have been put in place.
- Where to Stay: Badia, La Val, or La Villa.
Leonardiritt Horse Parade
The procession showcases richly decorated wagons, traditional Ladin and South Tyrolean dress, folk music, and the region’s emblematic horse breeds, the Haflinger and the Noriker, symbolizing the enduring link between the people, their land, and their animals.
The horse parade begins with several horse-drawn carriages, including one carrying a float of Saint Leonard and the Church of San Linert. Leading the procession are the riders of Badia, followed by riders from the Ladin valleys, Gherdëina, Fassa, Livinallongo, and Ampezzo, and then those from the South Tyrolean valleys.
Leonardiritt Horse Blessing
Traditionally, the feast day of Saint Leonard marked the end of the agricultural year, when the harvest’s bounty was blessed. While the celebration has evolved over time, its religious roots remain strong. After the Sunday mass and horse procession, the priest blesses all the horses in honor of Saint Leonard.
Today, the horses are valued mostly for their ceremonial role, but in the past, they were indispensable to farming and transportation in Val Badia, shaping the daily lives of the Ladin people. So, the Ride of Saint Leonard pays tribute to local history and tradition.
Leonardiritt Festival Tent
After the horse blessing, the celebration continue in the festival tent, where there are musical and dance performances. The tent is packed with tables and benches, and table service is available.
While the drinks arrived quickly, we waited nearly an hour for our food. Next time, I’d choose the self-service outdoor food stands instead.
Where to Stay in Alta Badia
In November, most accommodations close for the season. However, several farms offer holiday apartments year-round. Here are all the available accommodations in Badia, La Val, and La Villa.
Related | Alta Badia Hotel Guide
More Alta Badia Travel Guides
Alta Badia:
Autumn Travel in the Dolomites:
Dolomites:
- Places to Visit in the Dolomites
- Things to Do in the Dolomites
- How to Get to the Dolomites
- Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
- Day Hikes in the Dolomites
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